Clinicopathology conference: sudden death

Question 1

Learning outcomes

Answer 1

 Integrate clinical and pathological knowledge in the context of patients with cardiovascular disease
 Apply clinical reasoning

Question 2

Points

Answer 2

 The 12-lead ECG is the most important initial investigation of patients with chest pain and may lead to an immediate diagnosis. If the ECG does not show diagnostic changes and acute coronary syndrome is suspected, the ECG should be repeated after 30-60min.
 ST elevation MI requires prompt treatment with reperfusion therapy; PCI if available promptly, if not IV thrombolytic therapy.
 CV disease is the most frequent cause of death in the Western world and its incidence is increasing in many other parts of the world.
 Ischaemic heart disease commonly affects those with diabetes, the incidence of which is increasing throughout the world, especially as obesity becomes more common.